DAY ONE CATAMARANS

Created in La Rochelle in 2015, Day 1 Catamarans has become a recognised name in custom-built day charter catamarans and high-capacity passenger vessels. The brand was founded on a simple principle: commercial catamarans should be shaped around their future operation, rather than constrained by an off-the-shelf layout.

This makes Day 1 Catamarans a relevant solution for ferry operators, tourism professionals, day charter companies, resorts, local authorities and marine hospitality businesses throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Whether the project requires a passenger shuttle, an inter-island ferry, a sightseeing catamaran, a premium event vessel or a versatile day charter boat, the platform can be developed to match the intended operation.

Tailored layouts for passenger transport, day charter and tourism

The Day 1 Catamarans range includes professional catamarans from 50 feet upwards, with capacities from 30 to 250 passengers, depending on the model, configuration and certification requirements. Every vessel can be designed with a fully customised layout, tailored to its operating environment, target clientele and business model.

• For scheduled passenger transport and ferry operations, this can mean optimised passenger flow, efficient boarding and disembarkation, practical circulation spaces, comfortable seating and dedicated crew areas. These details are essential for maintaining smooth operations, reducing turnaround times and improving the onboard experience.
• For tourism, day charter and event operations, the priorities may be different. Open social spaces, shaded lounges, bar and catering facilities, flexible seating, sun protection and modular deck layouts can transform the vessel into a memorable hospitality platform. From daytime excursions and sunset cruises to corporate events and private day charters, the configuration can be adapted to create differentiated passenger experiences and support several revenue streams.

For Caribbean operators in particular, versatility is a major advantage. A Day 1 catamaran can be developed to suit a variety of coastal and island-based activities, while accommodating the operational requirements of tropical navigation and tourism markets.

Sail or power: propulsion tailored to your business model

Day 1 catamarans are available in sail-powered or power configurations. This gives each operator the freedom to select the propulsion solution that best supports its activity, route and long-term objectives.

• For businesses seeking reduced fuel consumption and a lower environmental impact, a sail-powered passenger catamaran can offer a strong commercial and operational advantage. Sailing can contribute to a more distinctive guest experience while supporting low-carbon maritime mobility, a growing priority for tourism operators, public transport networks and destinations committed to more responsible travel.
• For other operations, power propulsion may be the most appropriate solution, particularly where regular schedules, tight turnaround times or specific route profiles are the main priorities.

Each project is assessed according to its intended use, ensuring that propulsion, layout and onboard equipment work together as part of a coherent commercial solution.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for professional buyers who want their vessel to reflect their own business model rather than adapting their business around a fixed boat design.

Passenger comfort meets commercial performance

A successful passenger vessel must deliver reliability and operational efficiency while creating a comfortable, attractive and memorable onboard environment. Day 1 maxi-catamarans are conceived as true operating platforms, balancing passenger capacity, stability, usable deck space and commercial potential.

The twin-hull configuration provides generous volume and wide deck areas. This space can be used to create protected seating zones, social lounges, dining areas, outdoor relaxation spaces or flexible event environments. It allows operators to offer a premium guest experience while maintaining the practicality required for commercial passenger operations.

For tourism and day charter businesses, the ability to customise the onboard environment is central to revenue generation. A well-designed passenger catamaran can support ticketed excursions, sightseeing cruises, private events, corporate hospitality, food and beverage service, water sports and leisure activities. Its adaptable layout helps operators respond to seasonal demand and diversify their commercial offering.

In this sense, a Day 1 catamaran is not simply a way to transport passengers, it is an operational asset designed to create value for the business behind it.

Innovation through the One Shape construction process

At the core of the Day 1 Catamarans approach is the proprietary One Shape construction process. Developed from the first Day 1 catamaran, this method uses flat composite sandwich panels assembled to create hulls without conventional moulds.

The process supports a lightweight, durable and efficient structure while helping to optimise material use and construction costs. Combined with low-drag hull design, it contributes to efficient performance on the water, responsive handling and long-term reliability.

For professional operators, these qualities have a direct impact on operating costs and day-to-day performance. Lower weight and efficient hull design can support reduced energy demand and improved fuel efficiency. Combined with solar panels and electric, hybrid or sail-powered propulsion options, Day 1 catamarans offers a tangible decarbonisation solution for modern maritime transport and tourism operations.

This is increasingly important for operators managing fuel costs, sustainability commitments, public-sector decarbonisation targets and rising passenger expectations for responsible travel.

French design, specialist construction and global support

Each Day 1 catamaran is developed through the collaboration of Yacht Concept and Chantier de l’Arsenal, based in La Rochelle, France. Yacht Concept provides naval design, engineering and development expertise, while Chantier de l’Arsenal brings specialist composite boatbuilding knowledge to the construction process.

Together, their teams combine design, engineering, construction expertise and operational understanding to deliver custom-built professional catamarans. More than twenty Day 1 catamarans are already in operation worldwide, demonstrating the adaptability of the concept across a range of passenger transport, day charter and tourism applications.

As a professional multihull specialist, Caribbean Multihulls makes this expertise accessible to buyers in the Caribbean and around the world.

We help professional clients explore their operational needs. Together with the best specialists, we assist you from initial project requirements through to selecting a configuration aligned with their route, customers and commercial ambitions.